State seeks policy changes to environmental monitoring

The draft policy updates the current On-Site Environmental Policy that has not been updated since 1992.

Comment

By Julie Sherwood

MPNnow

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Feb. 12, 2014 at 10:13 PM

By Julie Sherwood

Posted Feb. 12, 2014 at 10:13 PM

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced Wednesday proposed changes to its Environmental Monitoring Services Policy.

The proposal updates its an existing On-Site Environmental Monitor Policy. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens stated in a release that "The new policy could ensure clarity, establish uniformity, provide notice to the regulated community and limit the need for monitors."

A public comment period on the draft policy begins today and extends through April 14, 2014.

The draft policy updates the current On-Site Environmental Policy that has not been updated since 1992. "Many environmental and administrative changes have occurred over the past two decades," stated the release.

The draft policy outlines four specific criteria for DEC to use in determining whether environmental monitors will be used: where environmental monitoring is required by law; where the material at the site is a concern due to its characteristics or quantity; where there are concerns with the compliance history or past practices of the regulated entity; and where DEC determines the regulated facility, site or regulated activity needs additional oversight.

The draft policy also outlines four methods in which environmental monitoring services will be provided: by qualified DEC employees who operate under DEC supervision; by qualified individuals who are employed by another governmental agency approved by DEC, operating under DEC supervision; by qualified entities whose services are directly contracted by DEC, operating under DEC supervision; and by qualified entities whose services are directly contracted by the regulated entity, subject to DEC's initial and continued right of approval, operating under DEC supervision.

Comments on the proposed policy can be submitted through April 14, 2014 by email to monitorpolicy@gw.dec.state.ny.us or mailing them to: